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Australia captain Pat Cummins has admitted that his involvement in the first Ashes Test appears unlikely due to ongoing fitness concerns.

Recent reports from Australia had indicated that Cummins might be ruled out of the entire series, though the fast bowler himself has now given a more detailed update on his situation.

Injury Timeline

The veteran cricketer has been battling with a spinal issue that has prevented his participation since his last competitive match in July.

Although Cummins has resumed running exercises, he has yet to commence bowling as part of his rehabilitation program.

"It's difficult to assign a percentage on it, but my assessment is probably less likely than likely," stated Cummins. "My bowling preparation begins next week, so approximately a couple of weeks away from wearing the spikes and bowling out on turf."

Bowling Preparation

Team mentor Andrew McDonald had previously indicated that Cummins would require a bare minimum of four weeks of bowling preparation to have any chance of featuring in the first Test, scheduled to begin on November 21.

Cummins echoed this assessment, explaining: "It's necessary to have at least approximately a month in the nets. If you participate in a Test match, you want to make certain you're capable to bowl 20 overs in a day without worry."

Series Implications

Given the compressed timeframe, there are also concerns about Cummins' fitness for the second Test in Brisbane on December 4.

Should Cummins be unavailable, former skipper Steve Smith is likely to lead the side, with Scott Boland potentially filling the gap in the pace department.

The hosts have retained the Ashes urn since 2018, while England are without a Test win in Australia since 2011.

Career Background

Cummins' current injury concerns echo challenges from earlier in his successful career. He made his Test first appearance as an 18-year-old in 2011 against South Africa, becoming the youngest-ever player to take a five-for in an innings at that time.

However, his impressive debut proved to be a false dawn, as Cummins endured six years before his next match due to multiple stress fractures in his spine.

Notable Accomplishments

When healthy, Cummins has proven himself as one of cricket's premier fast bowlers. The experienced campaigner has taken 309 Test dismissals at an impressive average of 22.10.

His record in Australia is even more impressive, with 177 wickets at 19.92, while he has claimed 91 wickets against England in just 19 matches.

In the most recent Ashes series in 2023, Cummins played in all five Tests, taking 18 wickets and confirming his importance to the Australian side.

As captain, Cummins enjoyed a successful 2023, taking six wickets in Australia's victorious World Test Championship final and starring in their 50-over World Cup final win against India.

He remains the only leader in Test history to win the World Test Championship, World Cup, and an Ashes series.

Squad Situation

England also face their own fitness worries with captain Ben Stokes, who has been troubled by a shoulder injury since the Test series against India.

Both teams will be monitoring their key players closely as the highly anticipated Ashes series nears.